Use high-density insulation in vaulted ceilings to prevent heat loss.
Vaulted ceilings are popular in building newer homes. These ceilings do not have much room for insulation and require a 1-inch to 2-inch air space between the insulation and the roof sheathing to allow for proper ventilation. The easiest insulation to install in a vaulted ceiling is high-density firm insulation batting. High-density insulation has a higher R-value at the same thickness of the lesser R-value insulation; the higher the value, the better the insulation traps heat. For this project, assume we're insulating a 2-by-10-foot vaulted ceiling frame with R-30 insulation.
Instructions
1. Measure between the rafters to determine the width of the insulation needed. Measure the length of a rafter, multiplying the number of spaces between the rafters to determine the amount needed. Check the U.S. Department of Energy website for the R-value rating recommendations in your area.
2. Roll the insulation out onto the floor and measure the first piece. To protect the floor, place a scrap piece of wood under the insulation where you will make the cut. Place the straightedge at the measurement to make a straight cut in the insulation. Using a utility knife, cut along the straightedge. Use the of insulation as a template. Roll the insulation out and lay the template piece on top of the rolled-out insulation to get the needed length. Place the straightedge where the template piece ends, then remove the of insulation and cut along the straightedge. Repeat this until you have all the insulation cut to the length needed to fill between the rafters.
3. Staple prefabricated vent chutes between rafters to ensure there is a 1-inch air space between the roof sheathing and the insulation. This is to allow for ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Using a heavy-duty staple gun with T-50 staples, fasten the vent chutes from the soffit area to the ridge of the roof. The soffit is where the roof overhangs the exterior walls.
4. Press the insulation gently between the rafters, starting at the bottom by the soffit up to the ridge of the roof. Pull out on areas that are compressed beyond the width of the rafter. The insulation loses R-value when it is compressed. Use wire insulation supports to secure the insulation between the rafters; push the ends of the wire supports between the rafters. Keep the ends of the wire support ends on the edge of the rafters to keep the insulation from being compressed.
5. Use scrap pieces of insulation to fill in around small gaps. Cut the insulation from around the light electrical boxes or recessed lights.
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